The Merchant of Venus

<p>Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life of Walter Thornton a luminary of the <strong>New York City</strong> <strong>beauty</strong> <strong>modeling</strong> and <strong>advertising</strong> scene during the <strong>roaring 1920s</strong> and beyond. The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton explores deep into the captivating narrative of a man whose legacy transcends time.</p><p> </p><p>In a tale as captivating as any <strong>Hollywood</strong> script Walter Thornton's extraordinary journey comes to life. From a homeless orphan he soared to prominence as a <strong>male model</strong> during the <strong>Jazz Age</strong> posing for icons like <strong>Norman Rockwell</strong> and JC <strong>Leyendecker.</strong></p><p> </p><p>Dubbed The Merchant of Venus by the legendary gossip columnist <strong>Walter Winchell</strong> Thornton embarked on a pioneering venture in <strong>1930</strong> establishing the first <strong>agency for photographic advertising models</strong>. His agency became a powerhouse discovering and representing models who would later become iconic figures of the <strong>Golden Age of Cinema</strong> including <strong>Lauren Bacall</strong> <strong>Susan Hayward</strong> <strong>Joseph Cotten</strong> <strong>Grace Kelly</strong> and others whose stardom illuminated the era.</p><p> </p><p>Among Thornton's other notable achievements is the invention of the <strong>Pin-Up Girl of WWII</strong> a testament to his creativity and patriotism. These pin-up girls not only embodied the spirit of an era but also served as beacons of hope for soldiers overseas prompting heartfelt letters that underscored their profound impact.</p><p> </p><p>However the glittering trajectory of Thornton's life took a downturn amidst the harsh realities of the <strong>McCarthy Era</strong>. In <strong>1954</strong> he found himself the target of a corrupt district attorney's accusations facing false charges of fraud and deception. Today his daughters unravel the mysteries surrounding their father's enigmatic existence.</p><p> </p><p>Their exploration began with a chance encounter-an image in the 2003 film Seabiscuit serving as the avatar for the <strong>Stock Market Crash of 1929</strong> sparking a quest that spanned over two decades. Through painstaking research including exploring Thornton's personal archives and interviews they uncovered a previously overlooked chapter of <strong>history</strong> painting a vivid portrait of a man ahead of his time.</p><p> </p><p>The Merchant of Venus not only celebrates Thornton's triumphs but also his resilience in the face of adversity. His blueprints persist in shaping the modeling and advertising industry and the 1940 <strong>patriotic</strong> Pinup girl endures as a cherished American tradition. His 1929 photo graces textbooks and products yet beneath its surface lies untold depth.</p><p> </p>